
Oregonians are used to rain and mild temps — but recent years have brought heatwaves in the Summer that are tough on us, and our homes. While we’re trying to stay cool, our roofs continue to bake under the intense sun day after day.
At Dakota Roofing, we want homeowners across Oregon to know how extreme heat affects their roof — and how to protect it before minor issues become costly problems that require roof repairs. Let’s talk about what high temperatures can do to your roof here in the Pacific Northwest, and smart steps you can take to extend your roof’s life through these changing seasons.
During heatwaves in Oregon, though they might be sporadic, roof surfaces can reach over 150°F, especially in areas like the Willamette Valley or Southern Oregon. As roofing materials heat up and expand during the day, then cool and contract at night, this cycle of thermal expansion and contraction can cause shingles, tiles, and metal panels to crack, warp, or loosen over time and continued exposure, damaging your roof over time and occasionally requiring roof repairs.
Oregon’s summer sun is powerful, even if the skies don’t stay clear every day. UV rays degrade roofing materials over time. This can cause asphalt shingles to become brittle, fade, and lose protective granules after prolonged exposure. Without those granules, your roof loses its ability to reflect the sun’s heat, speeding up deterioration and affecting your roof’s efficiency both at protecting your home from the elements and the overall energy efficiency of your home.
While Oregon roofs have to be tough enough for rain and storms, they also face heat that can shorten their lifespan. Asphalt shingles, cedar shake, and even metal roofs can age prematurely due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to cracking, splitting, or leaks in some cases. We recommend monitoring your roofs condition after a heatwave and if you see an area that concerns you, contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection.
When your roof absorbs heat, it radiates warmth into your attic and living spaces. This makes your cooling system work overtime, driving up your energy bills — especially during Oregon’s hotter summers. This is why it is important to maintain your roof’s efficacy, such as the granules in your shingle roof so that they can reflect the heat away from your home.
Thankfully, there are practical ways Oregon homeowners can help their roofs handle the heat and hopefully prevent roof repairs from being needed. Here’s what we recommend:
Routine roof inspections are crucial for catching small problems before they become major issues (typically in the winter months unfortunately). Roof inspections serve to check for heat damage, cracked shingles, and any signs of premature wear. By getting them done in the summer months, you can catch issues early and prevent water damage and intrusion when the rain returns.
If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, look into cool roofing options such as reflective shingles, lighter-colored tiles, or specially coated metal roofs. These materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat — helping keep your Oregon home cooler in Summer months. Additionally, a properly designed and ventilated attic can help you retain heat in the winter months. If this is a key concern for you, be sure to chat with your roofing contractor about which option might suit your home best.
Proper attic ventilation is critical in Oregon’s summer heat. It helps hot air escape rather than baking your roof from underneath. Good ventilation reduces heat buildup, protecting your shingles and lowering your home’s cooling costs in the hot summer months.
This one may be surprising since we tend to think of gutters mostly for rain, but clogged gutters can trap debris and heat against your roof, worsening damage from extreme heat in the summer months. We recommend keeping your gutters clear to avoid extra wear and tear on your roofing materials in periods of high heat.
Occasionally, roof repairs can’t be avoided, and addressing them early can save you a lot of money. Small problems like cracked shingles or loose flashing can get worse fast under Oregon’s summer sun (typically due to the expansion and contraction of the material). Prompt roof repairs can save you money and prevent larger issues like leaks or structural damage when the weather turns bad in the late Fall.
Oregon summers are getting hotter, and your roof is on the front lines. By knowing how extreme heat affects your roof and taking proactive steps, you can avoid unexpected repairs, lower your energy bills, and help your roof last longer.
Wondering if your Oregon roof is ready for summer? Contact our team at Dakota Roofing today for a free roof inspection or to learn about energy-efficient roofing options that keep your home comfortable all year long. We’re proud to help homeowners across Oregon protect what matters most!